Yankees playoffs: The baby bombers are serving notice in the ALDS

A Charm

The Yankees have seen the same pattern three times with Sevvy. First in spring training, and again at the very start of the 2017 regular season: Luis struggles with his heart rate at first, and it costs him. Then he comes back out, perhaps even in the same game, controls his emotions and dominates.

They saw it for the third time in these playoffs.There was always some suspicion that Severino’s emotions might get the better of him:

"Because the Twins can win tonight. Luis Severino might be over-amped in the first inning, and prone to mistakes."

That proved true by the time he walked off the mound after one-third of an inning in the Wild Card game. His ERA of 81.00 definitely qualifies as struggling.

But Monday, in yet another win or go home start, Severino proved he learned his lessons. And found redemption.

His outing was not as good as Tanaka’s, but he controlled the Indians, had a better than quality start and gave the Yankees that all-important length. Luis went seven innings and gave up three earned runs while striking out nine and walking one; the Yankees won 7-3.

Arrested Development

In fact, since the offense scored seven runs, Sevvy could have given up more runs and still helped save the Yankees.

Like a long at-bat that is still productive because of its effect on both teams, Sevvy’s seven might be the difference between winning Game 5 and going home: He and Hiro combined to provide rest for a previously overworked bullpen.

This sets the Yankees up to have the kind of bullpen game they employed in the WC game. It was a necessity then, and the bullpen was ready. The same now goes for tonight, thanks to Severino and Tanaka.

But the Yankees would not be in Game 5 without significant contributions from a lot of players. Again, the youth is being served, with the help of one satisfyingly surprising veteran.